Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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558. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a decision on the future of metro north and the DART underground will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44042/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) such as metro, light and heavy rail projects.  

Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer Metro North and a number of other major projects, including  DART Underground, due to the financial situation. It was made clear at the time that these projects would be reviewed again in preparation for the next capital plan post-2016.  The priorities under the current capital plan are to protect investment made to date, to maintain safety standards and to progress affordable projects such as Luas Cross City which add value to the existing network.

In line with the commitment to review the major projects the NTA is currently undertaking a technical consultancy (Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study) to assess the long-term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords.  This review is examining existing proposals including Metro North as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area's needs in the long term. I expect to receive a report from the NTA on the outcome of the review by early 2015. In the meantime the NTA will publish an interim shortlisting report shortly in order to provide information on the review progress and to ensure a transparent process.

I also expect early in 2015 to receive the updated DART Underground business case and the preliminary business case for the Swords/Airport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme from the NTA. 

 I will then consider the options for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise this review  by mid-2015.